Australian Railroad Group

THE sleepy Western Australia coastal town of Geraldton is about to undergo a population explosion – and maybe an apartment development boom – on the back of major mining projects including the $5 billion Oakajee Port venture.

However it may face a housing shortage within three months because of a fear by developers to adopt a large-scale development in the area, 240 kilometres north of Perth. Earthwork restrictions limiting the clearing of blocks to within six months (March to September) is also turning prospective developers off.